A National Model of Reform

Together we have made great strides in establishing groundbreaking diversion programs that are inspiring others around the country, connecting juveniles with community resources and restorative justice, getting guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others, providing victims the resources to navigate the justice system, and helping ensure greater public safety. We still have more to do—from expanding our successful diversion programs to tackling the opioid crisis with all the tools of a public health approach. With your support, I hope to continue our progress.

Today, 200 Americans likely will die from a drug overdose. Most of them will die alone.

The government’s modern-day response to our nation’s overdose epidemic has been woefully inadequate. Rather than relying on medical science, our leaders have been influenced by the same misguided approaches that undergirded the “war on drugs” in the 1980s — fear, stigma and racism.

We need a smarter strategy that reduces harm and saves lives. This starts with prosecutors ending the criminal crackdown on drug users — pushing for treatment instead of pressing charges; encouraging law enforcement to change street approaches; and, most of all,…

My family's personal experience with addiction taught me a lot about what it takes to help end the cycle of substance abuse that too often spirals into criminal activity. Getting people help instead of handcuffs also reduces recidivism and the cost to society as a whole.